President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday hailed Filipinos abroad for helping elevate the Philippines’ reputation on the international stage through their hard work, professionalism, and contributions.
Speaking before members of the Filipino community at the Fairmont Waterfront Hotel here, Marcos said overseas Filipinos are among the country’s best representatives, earning respect and admiration in their host nations.
“Napakalaki na tulong sa ekonomiya. Ngunit pinapaganda po ninyo ang reputasyon ng Pilipinas sa buong mundo (You are a great help to the economy. But you are also improving the reputation of the Philippines around the world),” he said.
Marcos thanked the Filipino community for bringing pride and honor to the country through their exemplary work, strong family values and participation in their local communities.
He said Canadian government and business leaders have expressed appreciation for Filipinos, describing them as hardwoking, dependable and highly skilled.
“Sila ang nagsasabi, mahal na mahal namin ang Pilipino rito. At saka ang tingin sa inyo, hindi lamang kaibigan, kundi kamag-anak (They themselves say it, we truly love Filipinos here. And you are seen not only as friends, but as family),” Marcos said.
“Tulad po ng lahat ng mga overseas Filipinos sa iba’t ibang panig ng mundo, kayo po ay tumatayo at nagbibigay buhay sa kultura at ng mga sektor na ekonomiya na napakahalaga sa isang bansa. Kaya naman po, paulit-ulit kaming nagpapasalamat sa inyo (Like all overseas Filipinos in different parts of the world, you help sustain culture and vital sectors of the economy. That is why we repeatedly thank you),” he added.
Marcos noted that Filipino healthcare workers, caregivers, engineers, architects and other skilled professionals have made significant contributions to Canada’s healthcare, construction, energy, education, agriculture, tourism and other key industries.
He also commended Filipino community organizations for preserving and promoting Philippine culture and traditions, saying their efforts have strengthened people-to-people ties between the Philippines and Canada.
“Kayo ang nagdadala ng dangal sa ating bansa. At nararapat lamang na mabigyan kayo ng tamang serbisyo, maayos na programa at patuloy ng pagsisikap upang maging mas matibay ang ating ekonomiya at ang ating kinabukasan (You bring honor to our country. It is only right that you receive proper services, well-designed programs, and continued efforts to strengthen our economy and our future),” Marcos said.
Marcos said his administration remains committed to improving services for overseas Filipinos through the Philippine embassy, consulates and attached agencies, while working with the Canadian government to make professional licensing information and support more accessible to Filipino workers.
Marcos reiterated his goal of strengthening the Philippine economy so that working abroad becomes a matter of choice, rather than necessity.
“As I have said before, our goal is to continue strengthening our economy so that traveling or working abroad becomes a matter of choice, whether driven by personal aspiration or the pursuit of better career opportunities, not out of necessity due to lack of opportunities back home,” he said.
Athur Intendencia, who has been living in Canada for 30 years, called for unity among Filipinos, saying it is important work together to achieve the vision of Bagong Pilipinas (New Philippines).
He expressed hope that the government’s goals of improving the lives of Filipinos and ensuring a prosperous future for the next generation will be realized.
“Ang sinasabi ko lang sa ating bansa, hindi tumitigil ang mga tumutuligsa kay PBBM. Dapat naman sana magkaisa na lang para sa ganoon matupad ang Bagong Pilipinas (What I am saying is that critics of PBBM never stop. We should instead unite so that the New Philippines can be achieved),” he said.
“Sana ma-achieve ‘yung goal nya na lahat ng mga Pilipino, uunlad, bawat Pilipino, magkaroon ng masaganang buhay. Ganoon din sa (I hope his goal will be achieved so that all Filipinos will improve their lives and have a prosperous future, including the) next generation.”
Hannah Abellar, country chairperson of Partido Federal ng Pilipinas-Canada Chapter, expressed gratitude to Marcos for fulfilling his campaign promise to personally thank overseas Filipinos.
She assured the President of continued support from majority of Filipinos in Canada. (PNA)
